HUE UNIVERSITY

INFORMATICS AND OPEN INSTITUTE

~~~~~~*~~~~~~

ASSIGNMENT ON

LANGUAGE AND CULTURE

TOPIC:   DIFFERENCES BETWEEN SPEECH AND WRITING

Student: Nguyen Thuy Minh

Class:

Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh – 2023

 I. Introduction
When we talk about 'language', sometimes we mean speech (spoken
language), sometimes writing (written language). How are they different? Of
course, speech is spoken and heard, while writing is written and read. But there are
many other differences:
Writing is usually permanent and written texts cannot usually be changed
once they have been printed/written out.

Speech is usually transient, unless recorded, and speakers can correct

themselves and change their utterances as they go along.

A written text can communicate across time and space for as long as the
particular language and writing system is still understood.

Speech is usually used for immediate interactions.

Written language tends to be more complex and intricate than speech with
longer sentences and many subordinate clauses. The punctuation and layout of
written texts also have no spoken equivalent. However some forms of written
language, such as instant messages and email, are closer to spoken language.

Spoken language tends to be full of repetitions, incomplete sentences,

corrections and interruptions, with the exception of formal speeches and other
scripted forms of speech, such as news reports and scripts for plays and films.

Writers receive no immediate feedback from their readers, except in

computer-based communication. Therefore they cannot rely on context to clarify
things so there is more need to explain things clearly and unambiguously than in
speech, except in written correspondence between people who know one
another well.

Speech is usually a dynamic interaction between two or more people.

Context and shared knowledge play a major role, so it is possible to leave much
unsaid or indirectly implied.

Writers can make use of punctuation, headings, layout, colours and other
graphical effects in their written texts. Such things are not available in speech

Speech can use timing, tone, volume, and timbre to add emotional context.

Written material can be read repeatedly and closely analysed, and notes
can be made on the writing surface. Only recorded speech can be used in this
way.
 Some grammatical constructions are only used in writing, as are some
kinds of vocabulary, such as some complex chemical and legal terms.

Some types of vocabulary are used only or mainly in speech. These include
slang expressions, and tags like y'know, like, etc.
II. Content
1. Grammatical intricacy
2. Lexical density
3. Nominalization
4. Explicitness
5. Contextualization
6. Spontaneity
7. Repetition, hesitations, and redundancy
2. Complex sentences

Another one of the differences between writing and speaking is the use of
complex sentences. In writing, complex sentences can be necessary for
adding the right level of detail and precision. Plus, complex sentences can be
made easier to read with the right punctuation.

However, complex sentences are deadly for your speaking. They flatten your
delivery, causing you to drone on and on. In addition, speaking requires
something fundamental that writing does not: breathing. So, make sure
you’re giving yourself time to breathe by limiting your use of complex
sentences.

3. Word choice

Finally, writing and speaking differ in terms of the importance of word

choice. In writing, you usually want to choose your words very carefully, as
people can go back and re-read. A well-chosen word can often make or break
the point you’re making.

In speaking, the exact words you choose aren’t nearly as important as the
general point you’re trying to make. Just as you remember the melodies of
songs, not the specific notes, your audience will remember your ideas, not
your specific words. So, don’t obsess over making sure every word you say is
absolutely perfect.

You can absolutely be both a great writer and a great speaker. But if you
want to accomplish this feat, you need to understand the nuances between
the two. By being thoughtful about the differences between writing and
speaking, you will get much better at both.

1. Repetition
One of the differences between writing and speaking is the use of repetition.
In writing, you usually want to avoid being repetitive. Repetitive writing is
not very creative and can often cause the reader to become bored. In
addition, repetition isn’t necessary because of the ability to instantly go back
and re-read something if you missed it.

In speaking, however, repetition is actually necessary. Audiences don’t

listen very closely to the exact words you’re saying, so you need to repeat
your key messages early and often. Just as road signs remind you of where
you are when you’re driving, repeating key points reminds your audience of
where you are when you’re presenting.

III. Conclusion
References